NCJ Number
181376
Editor(s)
James Thompson
Date Published
1998
Length
247 pages
Annotation
This anthology of papers by persons from various vocational disciplines focuses on theory, description, guidance, history, and analysis of the effects of theater (drama) on inmate participants and viewers in British prisons.
Abstract
The 13 papers represent a variety of practice and debate in the field of prison theater. Although the first two chapters describe different experiences of prison theater practice, they both deal with some of the same questions about why the work is done and what should be done; both chapters address vital areas of learning and instruction and how inmates should be involved in the theatrical process. The next four chapters take this debate further by examining the relationship between theater, therapy, and rehabilitation. These chapters are followed by five chapters that examine the processes, pressures, and problems faced by those who create prison theater. The writers provide various insights regarding how arts work is created, maintained, and sometimes undermined in a prison setting. The final two chapters include a revealing moment in the history of prison theater in Brazil and guidance for program evaluation. 29 references and subject and author indexes